Ten solicitors among first summary sheriff appointments

Christine McLintock, president of the Law Society of Scotland, said: “This is a significant step in the ongoing reforms to our courts in Scotland which will help improve how our justice system works.

“I congratulate all 12 of the new summary sheriffs and offer my warmest congratulations to each of them on their new appointment. I am of course particularly delighted to see 10 of our solicitor members appointed to those roles.

“Congratulations also to those currently sitting as stipendiary magistrates and who are set to take up their new roles as summary sheriffs in the spring.”

The new summary sheriffs will hear summary prosecution cases in sheriff courts. They will also be able to carry out some procedural aspects of some solemn cases, such as granting warrants for arrest. They are due to take up their posts in April and May this year. Current stipendiary magistrates are also set to become summary sheriffs.

The ten solicitors newly appointed as summary sheriffs are: Brian Cameron, Tony Kelly, Frances McCartney, Mary McCrory, Christine McCrossan, Morag McLaughlin, Sara Matheson, Mhairi Mactaggart, Andrew McIntyre, Derek Livingston.